Years ago, University of California, Berkeley researchers asked students to take a very difficult vocabulary test.
Nobody did well.
The students were then broken into groups.
One was told to be easy on themselves, that they would do better next time, and to practice self-compassion.
Another group wasn't told anything. These students were left to their inner evaluations which, presumably meant concentrating on the negative, self-flagellation we routinely experience when we fail.
All these students were then monitored in the run-up to another test a few weeks later.
And researchers found something surprising.
They found that those in the first group, who were told to practice self-compassion, began studying for the next test earlier and harder - and did better on that second exam.
This Sunday, when we commemorate the baptism of Jesus, arising from the River Jordan we will hear God say to Jesus: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Jesus was told, even before his first miracle, sermon, or healing, about his self-worth.
God’s word to him of inherent value and appreciation, lays the groundwork to self-compassion. And why? Because God wanted Jesus - God wants us - to do well in our pursuits.
As we approach 2021 may we not beat ourselves up - but practice self-compassion, not just so we’ll do better, but so we can do better for the world we’re called to serve.
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